For over ten years
- in other words, since the V50 - the renowned firm of Moto Guzzi has been in virtual
limbo, though various prototypes have appeared from time to time to rekindle the
hopes of the marque's fans. Typical is the 1000 Daytona, a worthy descendant of
the famed V7 Sport and LeMans models. Developed out of the machines raced by various
tuners in the "Battle of the Twins," the Daytona represents the biggest
investment by Moto Guzzi for many years.

A Major First for Guzzi

Basically, if the
engine is still recognizably derived from the overhead-valve 700cc V7 of 1967, the
cylinder head has been drastically redesigned with, for the first time on a production
Guzzi, two overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. The fuel injection and
ignition-management systems are up-to-date, too.

Return to Tradition

The frame reaffirms
the traditional philosophy that made the firm's reputation: The engine is suspended
from a massive central backbone and has no supporting cradles. The transmission
shaft is no longer housed within the rear suspension arm but is separate; a radius
arm eliminates the hunting so often associated with this type of transmission. First
shown as a prototype in 1990, the Daytona was scheduled to go on the market
during 1992, priced at around $21 ,000.